Today, nine-day-old Gracie Abram rests—a small bundle of baby, tubes and blanket—in the arms of mom Tarah, while sister Hannah sleeps in an isolette nearby.
Here, babies as young as 32 weeks gestation receive the intensive respiratory care, intravenous feeding and other specialized medical care they need to grow and thrive. A team of neonatologists, pediatricians, nurses, lactation specialists and other caregivers serve the whole family, providing parents with hostelling rooms, education, encouragement and social support.
Last year, the ICN cared for over 1,600 babies born at the Grey Nuns and other hospitals, and Caritas is now making plans to redevelop and enhance the space.
"The Grey Nuns women's program continues to grow—as does the need for neonatal care. We delivered more babies than any other hospital in the city in the past year," says Grey Nuns Vice President Greg Hadubiak. "Our vision is to create a family-friendly environment that provides the best possible start."
For new mom Tarah, having the twins in the ICN and staying in a hostel room brings unexpected blessings. "I have time to adjust to being their mom and to learn how to care for them," she said. "I can touch them and cuddle them anytime and take a break when I need to."
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